paolo russo

Paolo Russo is a writer and series creator working in a wide range of media and formats. His adaptation of Jimmy Burns’s best-selling book, PAPA SPY, entitled BURNS, has been optioned by CYSA Films and will star Jack Huston in the lead role.

Paolo has been one of the writers of the award-winning animated series TOPO GIGIO. Released in 2020 by RAI, both via terrestrial TV (RaiYoYo) and as SVOD on the RaiPlay platform, the series has soon become the most streamed children’s show in Italy.

Paolo has also been commissioned to write several feature films. The award-winning THREE DAYS OF ANARCHY was premiered in competition at the Tokyo Film Festival and received critical accolades at 30+ festivals all over the world. The film was produced with the support of the EU Media Programme and was released theatrically in Italy. His short film, BIANCO SPORCO, premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

For several years Paolo has worked as a script reader for distribution companies in Italy, vetting the acquisition of projects from major Hollywood studios. He has also helped in the localization of major game franchises from global developers such as Valve, Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo, Zinga, and more. He was also commissioned to write a sci-fi game by Forge.

Paolo has also worked on sets for short films and high-profile commercials in many roles, such as Assistant Director, Production Assistant, and Extra. He is currently developing various other drama serials and teaching screenwriting at Oxford Brookes University

In development

BURNS – 10 x 50’. Wartime Spy Drama adapted from the best-selling book, Papa Spy, by Jimmy Burns. Optioned by CYSA Films.

CREDITS and commissions

TOPO GIGIO: THE SERIES (Series One) - Animated TV Series. Wrote 5 episodes x 11’. Produced by MoviMenti Productions and broadcast by RAI TV

THREE DAYS OF ANARCHY- Feature Film. Co-Writer. Premiered in competition at the Tokyo Film Festival and at 30+ festivals all over the world.

PILLOLE DI CINEMA – Short Film. Wrote and produced. Broadcast by RAI TV

BIANCO SPORCO – Short Film. Wrote and directed. Premiered at the Venice Film Festival as part of “Intolerance”, a collective film against racism

ANNUS DOMINI – Music video. Wrote and directed.

SSS – Short Film. Wrote and directed.

CLOUDED BORDER Feature Film. Commissioned by Minor Hour Films.

NO WAY BACK. Feature Film. Commissioned by producer Jesus Santaeularia. Adapted from Enrico Palandri’s novel, The Way Back.

FANGO (MUD) Feature Film. Commissioned by Cavadaliga Film, adapted from a short story by Oscar-nominated Niccolò Ammaniti.